CAZENOVIA, N.Y. – The Gallaudet University women's basketball team suffered its first loss of the New Year on the road Saturday as the Bison lost 54-34 to Cazenovia College in a North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) contest. The Bison pulled to within nine, 43-34, after sophomore guard Stephanie Weiss (Wellington, Fla.) made a three-pointer with 5:38 left in regulation but that was the last basket made by Gallaudet. Cazenovia (3-6, 2-0 NEAC North) outscored the Bison 11-0 down the stretch while Gallaudet (3-6, 1-2 NEAC South) missed its final eight shots.

Gallaudet led several times in the closely contested first half. The Bison jumped out to an 8-4 lead five minutes in and later led 12-8 and 18-14 with seven minutes left before halftime. Cazenovia overtook the lead and led 22-19 at the break.

Cazenovia outscored the Bison 32-15 in the second half en route to the 20-point win.

Freshman forward Elena Ciccarelli (Whitesboro, N.Y.) led Gallaudet with 14 points and eight rebounds. Weiss added 11 points and grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds. The Bison committed 26 turnovers which led to 18 Wildcat points.

Cazenovia's Haley Zambito led all-scorers with 20 points while teammate Megan McDermott had a double-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds and four assists and four steals.

Gallaudet remains on the road and will face SUNYIT tomorrow (Sunday, Jan. 8) at 2 p.m.